Social media has transformed political engagement, offering unprecedented opportunities for leaders to connect directly with constituents, mobilise support, and amplify their voices. Yet this democratisation of communication comes with a darker reality: for women in political leadership these technology platforms have become sources of potential and real harassment and abuse.

A 2025 study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which interviewed 150 women MPs and parliamentary staff from 33 countries including Fiji and the Federated States of Micronesia, found that 60 percent of women MPs reported being targeted online through hate speech, disinformation, and image-based abuse.

In 2024 alone, at least two prominent women MPs from the Pacific publicly reported experiencing online harassment firsthand. Identified as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and cyberbullying, this issue affects more than two-thirds of women and girls in Fiji. In the Pacific region, with less than eight percent of women represented in parliament, technology-facilitated violence further deters women from political participation or equal footing to their male counterparts. This trend is also a reflection of a broader trend posing additional barriers to democratic participation locally, regionally, and globally.

TFGBV encompasses any act committed, assisted, or amplified through digital tools that results in physical, sexual, psychological, or political harm to women. For parliamentarians whose roles require public visibility, the impact is particularly significant. According to the same Inter-Parliamentary Union study noted above, 82 percent of women parliamentarians across five regions reported experiencing psychological violence during their terms, with women in politics being 27 times more likely to face online abuse than their male counterparts.

In Fiji, research from International IDEA analysing Facebook content revealed that most problematic comments aimed at women politicians fell into the sexist category, focusing on appearance and personal qualities rather than political positions. Data from Fiji's Online Safety Commission show that 22 percent of women in Fiji frequently face image-based abuse and 30 percent are subjected to defamatory comments, demonstrating the gendered nature of this violence.

However, many women persist despite these overwhelming odds.

When women activists have stepped forward to contest elections in Fiji, many have faced racist attacks, homophobic comments, and even rape threats on social media. Despite this hostility, several have persevered with the support of other young women, in some cases securing more votes than established political figures.

The 2025 Fiji Youth Parliament also raised these concerns. With strong participation from young women, delegates warned that although they are highly tech-savvy, they called for stronger protections for digital privacy and clearer accountability for online harms. As one participant said: these are issues that need to be brought into mainstream public debate so young women can lead without fear.

TFGBV fundamentally alters political behaviour and silences women's voices on crucial issues. Women modify their political messaging, reduce their online engagement, and in some cases abandon their digital presence entirely to avoid abuse.  

Women in Fiji, 58 of whom, representing all 14 provinces, participated in 2024's Women's Practice Parliament, have reported that fear of social media attacks and concerns about photos being used against them or impacting their families remain significant barriers to entering leadership positions. If not addressed, TFGBV could lead to a vicious cycle, ultimately discouraging women from participating at all.  When women are deterred from fully contributing, communities lose important representation, and the talent to shape public policies that advance equality and progress.  

Progress is being made, though challenges remain. Several Pacific parliaments including Australia and Fiji have introduced confidential reporting mechanisms and support services. However, comprehensive legislation specifically addressing TFGBV remains rare globally, with many countries relying on outdated cybercrime laws that do not adequately address modern social media dynamics or gender-based violence.

Across the Pacific, UNDP works with women MPs and parliamentary staff, developing safer reporting pathways and supporting the Pacific Women in Power Forum, which connects parliamentarians across 14 countries for mentoring, solidarity, and skills-building. Through initiatives such as leadership coaching, digital safety training, and capacity-building for parliamentary staff, UNDP is helping to equip women leaders with the tools they need to navigate online spaces safely and confidently. This work demonstrates that with appropriate support, women can remain visible, vocal, and effective in public life despite online hostility.

This important initiative is enabled by partners such as Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Technology platforms must strengthen content moderation and establish transparency standards around digital violence. Parliaments need robust internal policies including sexual harassment protocols; currently, fewer than one-quarter have such policies for parliamentarians. Training programs should equip women politicians with tools to navigate online spaces while maintaining their authentic voices. Importantly, men must engage as allies in promoting cultures that do not tolerate online abuse.

When women parliamentarians are forced offline, democracy loses their perspectives, expertise, and advocacy. In the Pacific and globally, TFGBV represents a democratic challenge that demands urgent action.

Addressing this reality with the seriousness it deserves is essential for ensuring that democratic participation is accessible to all.